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National Park Service birthday
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Visit the country's 59 national parks for free this month

Anna Rahmanan
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Anna Rahmanan
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Happy (almost) 100th birthday, National Park Service!

In honor of its big day, the federal government agency will waive entrance fees at all 59 national parks across the country from August 25-28.

Officially established on August 25, 1916—when President Woodrow Wilson signed an act that set up the agency within the Department of Interior to protect the then 35 national parks—the National Park Service is now also tasked with revitalizing communities, celebrating local heritages and educating the public on all things outdoors and green. 

The centennial birthday week will also be marked by a slew of different events taking place across the nation's parks—think Zumba lessons along Boston's waterfront, a U.S. citizenship and immigration service naturalization ceremony at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia and an evening of memorable performances at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, among others.

But this isn't the only way to get into a national park for free as this year's new "Every Kid in a Park" program allows each American fourth grader to visit one alongside a parent or guardian completely gratis.

Need to narrow down your list of must-visit parks? Although we are partial to all green spaces across the country, we suggest you check out our list of best national parks in the U.S. for a bit of guidance.

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